Feminine discomfort caused by an enlarged labia minora can be debilitating in a number of different ways. Vaginal pain can interfere with a woman’s ability to exercise, enjoy sexual intercourse, and wear the clothing of her choice. An enlarged labia minora can also cause feelings of extreme self-consciousness that further limit a woman’s intimate life. If you’re struggling with vaginal irritation, a specialized procedure known as labiaplasty can help. Labiaplasty has allowed many women in Fredericksburg to reclaim their comfort and confidence.
Labiaplasty Explained
Normally, the labia minora—the “inner lips” surrounding the entrance to the vagina—are protected by the labia majora. (The labia majora are the hair-covered flaps of skin on the vulva.) Sometimes, the labia minora extend beyond the labia majora. This condition can be caused by aging or genetic factors, but more commonly, it occurs after vaginal childbirth. During childbirth, the labia minora must stretch to many times their original size in order to accommodate the passage of an infant. Sometimes, they become damaged in the process and cannot return to their original size and shape.
Labiaplasty, also known as labia reduction or labia surgery, reduces the protrusion of the labia and corrects asymmetry. It makes the labia more aesthetically pleasing and alleviates the condition that causes irritation. During labiaplasty, small incisions are made in the labia minora, then the excess tissue is carefully removed. The labia minora are carefully positioned so that they rest completely within the labia majora, before sutures are placed to facilitate healing. While this procedure is challenging owing to the fragile nature of the tissues involved, it’s not a lengthy operation. Most labiaplasty procedures take just one hour to complete.
Labiaplasty surgery is usually performed under intravenous sedation. It is an outpatient procedure that can be conducted in our fully accredited facility in Northern Virginia. This means that you will be able to return home soon after your procedure is complete; you will not have to stay in the hospital overnight.
Meet our
great
surgeons
Labiaplasty Recovery
All of our labiaplasty patients are given prescription pain medication and antibiotics in order to ensure that they recover safely and comfortably. During recovery, patients must abstain from exercise for two weeks and sexual activity for one month. Most labiaplasty patients can return to work in two to three days.
To improve your level of comfort during recovery, you can apply a cold compress (wrapped in a soft cloth) to the treatment area. Applying a cold compress three times per day can reduce symptoms of soreness, swelling, and bruising. Finally, make sure to avoid wearing tight clothing for several weeks after your labiaplasty. This will protect you from chafing and irritation.
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Labia Reduction Surgery?
Any woman who is suffering from an enlarged or elongated labia minora is a good candidate for labiaplasty. Most women undergo labia reduction surgery because they wish to eliminate physical discomfort, but this operation can also be used to correct aesthetic problems. If you don’t like the way your labia looks, you should feel free to explore the option of surgical correction.
Labiaplasty candidates must be in good overall health and be nonsmokers. If you smoke, you should quit for two weeks before and after your surgery. This is required because smoking interferes with the body’s ability to heal and increases a patient’s risk of complications. Because post-surgical infection is a particular concern following labiaplasty, it’s extremely important to maintain a healthy lifestyle before and after your operation.
When you come in for a consultation, your surgeon will review your complete medical history in order to make sure that you’re an excellent candidate for labia reduction surgery. You will be asked to discuss any medications and supplements you’re taking. Remember to mention any over the counter medications you take regularly (particularly blood-thinning medications, like Aspirin), not just prescription medications.
If you’re having a labiaplasty as part of a mommy makeover, you will need to wait about six months after giving birth before you can have surgery. Your vagina must heal completely from the stress of childbirth before you pursue invasive elective treatments.
Labiaplasty FAQs
An increasing number of women are researching the benefits of labiaplasty to treat excess skin and tissue that can cause unattractive and uncomfortable bulging. However, there is still some mystery surrounding the Labiaplasty procedure. Read on to learn more about the best labiaplasty procedure in Northern Virginia.
Why is Labiaplasty Performed?
Labiaplasty is performed to reduce the size of the labia minor (the inner folds of the skin on either side of the vaginal opening). The goal of this procedure is for the labia minor not to extend past the labia major (the outer folds of skin on either side of the vaginal opening) for more comfort and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
What Causes a Woman to Have Enlarged Labia?
The labia may become enlarged due to aging, hormones, childbirth, or genetic reasons.
What Are the Benefits of Labiaplasty?
In addition to being an aesthetically beneficial procedure, labiaplasty can also improve personal comfort. The procedure can reduce or eliminate rashes, chafing, and irritation of the skin associated with enlarged labia. Labiaplasty can also make exercise, sexual intercourse, and other physical activities more enjoyable. Most patients also experience a boost of self-confidence after labiaplasty and find their activity levels increase due to more personal comfort.
How Long Does Labiaplasty Procedure Take?
A Labiaplasty procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to perform.
What Are the Risks of Having Labiaplasty?
As with any surgery, there are always some risks that patients should consider before agreeing to a procedure. The same applies to labiaplasty. While labiaplasty is considered a safe, non-invasive procedure, the following risks can sometimes cause complications:
- Decreased sensitivity: Different labiaplasty methods can be used, but some could potentially cause lower vulvar sensitivity.
- Scarring: Depending on which method you and your surgeon decide on, there is potential for scarring to occur with labiaplasty surgery.
- Numbing: Although very rare, some nerve damage could occur, resulting in a loss of sensation.
It’s worth noting that such complications are not common in labiaplasty surgery. There have been a small number of cases where complications have occurred, but a skilled, experienced surgeon can often avoid them.
How Much Does Labiaplasty Cost in Fredericksburg, Virginia?
We can provide only an approximate surgical estimate on the procedure. The exact fee will depend on the operating time involved, surgical technique used, and type of anesthesia. You will be given an individual fee quote during your consultation.
Schedule a Labiaplasty Consultation in Fredericksburg
At Plastic Surgery Services of Fredericksburg, our board-certified plastic surgeons understand the sensitive, confidential nature of vaginal surgery and have extensive experience performing labiaplasty. To learn what your procedure will cost, including discount pricing and promotions, visit our fees and financing page or contact us for more information. We treat patients from Fredericksburg, Richmond, Fairfax, and beyond.
Where your better
tomorrows begin today.
